This content was published 10 years ago. It may refer to a past edition of the Internazionali d’Italia.

We all know Serena Williams is a perfectionist. But how can anyone who has just eased to the final of one of the biggest tournaments of the year, conceding just three games in the semi-finals and ten in total in the whole tournament, believe they are playing badly? The American, world number one was so dismayed by her 6-3, 6-0 win over qualifier Simona Halep to set up a final with Victoria Azarenka she took to the practice courts immediately afterwards to put right her believed weaknesses. “The delay in coming to the press conference was because I was just practicing,” she said. “I am only unhappy with the way I played and I need to work on a few things to be able to do well here and next week. “I do not want to share the problems.” Williams now has a career best record of 23 straight wins going into Sunday’s final with Azarenka. The big one of course is the French Open next week, a tournament she has only won once way back in 2002. “I don’t know if I feel better this year or last,” she said. “I felt great last year and I feel great this one too and I love clay and have had many wins on clay, even in Roland Garros.” The final sets up a repeat of the Doha final Azarenka won earlier this year. “She played well in that match and I was happy in the final and it was a tough tournament,” said Williams. “I had opportunities that I wasn’t able to use and to win and Vika played well in the vital points.”